Italian Soccer Federation Assigns Worldwide Licensing to IMG
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ROME, May 20 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Italian National Soccer Federation announced today a multi-year strategic
partnership with IMG to develop a worldwide consumer products licensing program
for the famous Squadra Azzurra soccer team, winner of four FIFA World Cups and
current defending champions of the prestigious FIFA title.
"This is an important step in the commercial development of the Italian
National
Soccer Team as a real global sports brand," said Giancarlo Abete, President of
the Italian Federation. "We are one of the most titled and successful teams
in world soccer and we believe it fundamental to consolidate links with our
worldwide fan base and satisfy market demand through a specific brand licensing
program that represents our values and our unique football heritage. IMG,
with its global presence and experience managing prestigious sports brands, is
without a doubt the company best positioned to execute this objective."
"The Azzurri are not only the defending FIFA World Cup Champions, but one of
the most successful teams in football history and consequently one of the
absolute marquee properties in world soccer," said Bruno Maglione, IMG
Executive Vice President and Co-Managing Director of IMG Worldwide Licensing.
"Representing the world's best team in the world's biggest sport is obviously
something we find very appealing and we look forward to a very successful
partnership with the Italian Federation."
Under the multi-year agreement, IMG will partner with the Italian Federation
to
license and market the Italian National Team across a wide variety of product,
publishing and promotional categories.
About the FIGC
The Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC) was founded in 1898 and
recognized by FIFA to become one of the UEFA's charter members in 1954. Team
Italy is one of the most titled federations in world football having won 4 FIFA
World Cups ('34, '38, '82 and '06), 1 UEFA European Cup ('68), and holding many
other international honours at all levels. Last 2nd April 2007 Giancarlo Abete
became its 28th president.
About IMG
IMG is the world's premier sports, entertainment and media enterprise.
Operating in 30 countries, IMG's diverse businesses include: consulting
services;
event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation;
licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis,
broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports,
coaching,
Olympic sports and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest and
most
advanced multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering
world-class sports training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate,
adult, and professional athletes each year.
Forstmann Little & Co. purchased IMG in 2004.
More information is available at www.imgworld.com.
Contact:
Jim Gallagher
IMG
(212) 774-4419
Jim.Gallagher@imgworld.com
Antonello Valentini (Head of media relations)
Tel. (+39) 06. 8491.1
Fax. (+39) 06.8491.2351
e-mail: press@figc.it
Barbara Moschini (vice)
Tel. (+39) 06.8491.2119
e-mail: press@figc.it
Copyright 2008, Market Wire, All rights reserved.
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